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Opera Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Oracle Opera Project Manager

Chicago, IL

$113K - $156K/yr

You will be responsible for intake and delivery of projects that involve Opera PMS hosting or its related interfaces. The Senior Technical Project Manager will also be responsible for communicating ...

Oracle Opera Project Manager

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$113K - $156K/yr

You will be responsible for intake and delivery of projects that involve Opera PMS hosting or its related interfaces. The Senior Technical Project Manager will also be responsible for communicating ...

Coat Check Attendant

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$13.99/hr

House Manager STATUS: Part-Time, Non-Exempt, Seasonal Lyric Opera of Chicago is where the world sings - and where Chicago comes alive. Under the leadership of General Director, President & CEO John ...

Usher

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$17.55/hr

House Manager STATUS : Part-time, Non-Exempt, Seasonal Lyric Opera of Chicago is where the world sings - and where Chicago comes alive. Under the leadership of General Director, President & CEO John ...

Bartender

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$13.99/hr

Concessions Manager STATUS: Part-Time, Non-Exempt, Seasonal Lyric Opera of Chicago is where the world sings - and where Chicago comes alive. Under the leadership of General Director, President & CEO ...

Opera House Managing Director

Woodstock, IL ยท On-site

$120 - $180/hr

A respected performing arts and cultural venue in the northwest Chicago suburbs is seeking an accomplished Managing Director to provide strategic, financial, artistic-programming, and operational ...

Guest Service Agent

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Previous experience with Opera/Opera Cloud preferred. * Must have excellent communication skills. * Excellent organizational skills. * Possess a gracious, friendly, and fun demeanor. * Ability to ...

Technical Designer

Lincolnwood, IL ยท On-site

$25 - $34/hr

With our core values of Trust, Ingenuity and Excellence, we build museum and corporate exhibits, specialty millwork, custom themed elements and scenery for theater, opera, and film. Celebrating 35 ...

With our core values of Trust, Ingenuity and Excellence, we build museum and corporate exhibits, specialty millwork, custom themed elements and scenery for theater, opera, and film. Celebrating 35 ...

Technical Designer

Lincolnwood, IL ยท On-site

$25 - $34/hr

With our core values of Trust, Ingenuity and Excellence, we build museum and corporate exhibits, specialty millwork, custom themed elements and scenery for theater, opera, and film. Celebrating 35 ...

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Opera information

See Illinois salary details

$10

$16

$21

How much do opera jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for opera in Illinois is $16.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $18.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by opera singers when preparing for a new role?

Opera singers often encounter challenges such as mastering complex vocal scores in foreign languages, adapting to varying stage directions, and balancing intensive rehearsal schedules. Learning to interpret a character both musically and dramatically requires significant preparation and research. Additionally, singers must maintain vocal health amidst demanding performance periods, and collaborate closely with conductors, directors, and fellow cast members to ensure a cohesive production.

What is an opera singer?

An opera singer is a professionally trained vocalist who performs in operas, which are dramatic stage works combining singing, orchestral music, and sometimes dance. Opera singers use powerful vocal techniques to project their voices over an orchestra without amplification. They often sing in multiple languages and must convey deep emotion and character through their performance. Training for opera singing typically involves years of vocal study and language learning, in addition to acting and stage movement. Opera singers perform in opera houses and may also participate in concerts and recitals.

What is the difference between Opera vs Stage Manager?

AspectOperaStage Manager
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in music, theater, or related field; specialized training in opera productionRequires a background in theater, production, or stage management; often a degree or experience in theater arts
Work EnvironmentOperas, theaters, concert halls; often involves working with performers and production teamsTheater or performance venues; coordinating rehearsals, performances, and technical aspects
Industry UsageCommonly used in classical music and opera companiesUsed across theater, musical productions, and live performances

Opera professionals focus on singing, musical direction, and production of operatic performances, while Stage Managers coordinate all aspects of live performances, including rehearsals and technical operations. Both roles require strong organizational skills but differ in their specific responsibilities and industry focus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Opera Singer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Opera Singer, you need advanced vocal technique, musical literacy, and typically formal training such as a degree in vocal performance. Familiarity with languages (especially Italian, German, and French), stagecraft, and music notation software is also important. Exceptional emotional expression, stage presence, and strong collaborative skills set standout performers apart. These abilities are crucial for delivering compelling performances, mastering complex roles, and building a successful career in the competitive world of opera.

What Are Different Careers in Opera?

Opera careers include a variety of positions in and around an opera house. The opera singer is the most well-known position, but other roles involve helping manage the production, playing in the orchestra, marketing, casting, and producing materials for fundraising events. Most operatic roles involve a significant amount of coordination with other employees, particularly during performances, and you may start the planning process up to a year ahead of time. Office-based positions frequently use ticket and donor data to analyze trends, direct other employees to keep everything on-time, and purchase advertisements. Depending on your role, you may coordinate with non-profit companies or oversee interns.

What are the most commonly searched types of Opera jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Opera jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Opera jobs in Illinois? For Opera jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Opera jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Opera jobs in Illinois are:
Infographic showing various Opera job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,160 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Coordinator, The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center

Lyric Opera of Chicago

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

REPORTS TO: Manager, Ryan Opera Center
STATUS: Full-time, Non-Exempt
Lyric Opera of Chicago is where the world sings โ€” and where Chicago comes alive.
Under the leadership of General Director, President & CEO John Mangum and Music Director Enrique Mazzola, Lyric stands at the intersection of artistic excellence and civic purpose, harnessing the full power of opera โ€” voice, orchestra, stagecraft, and story โ€” to illuminate the questions, emotions, and experiences that define us as human beings.
Nearly 75 seasons of world-class performances have made Lyric one of the greatest opera companies in the world. What drives us now is what has always driven us: the belief that this art form, at its best, can move people in ways nothing else can. Lyric is also Chicagoโ€™s partner โ€” in its neighborhoods, its schools, and its communities โ€” through education, engagement, and a relentless commitment to making opera accessible, relevant, and irresistible to everyone. At the heart of that commitment is The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center, which trains the artists who will carry this art form into its future. Every night when the curtain rises, Lyric reminds this city โ€” and the world โ€” why live performance still matters.
Lyric Opera of Chicago doesnโ€™t just present opera, it redefines what opera can be. Itโ€™s where Chicago comes to be moved โ€” come inside.
The Ryan Opera Center (ROC) Coordinator provides support for all department administrative functions as well as program operations and collaborations with departments across Lyric.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Support all Ryan Opera Center (ROC) day-to-day operations, encompassing scheduling, financial administration, production and music needs for all programs and performances.
  • Assist with management of all aspects of ROC scheduling for Ensemble and administration and create schedule drafts for ROC summer season.
  • Assist with ROC annual auditions for Ensemble positions (singers, pianist, conductor, stage director, stage manager), including the application process for 600+ applicants. Assist in maintaining list of prospective candidates and serve as primary contact for applicants.
  • Provide logistical support for all ROC activities, including internal and external communications.
  • Assist with WFMT recital series logistics, including repertoire lists and recording edit notes.
  • Support Ensemble auditions for visiting artist managers and opera company administrators throughout the season.
  • Maintain and update Ensemble promotional materials (bios, resumes, etc.) and other ROC promotional materials throughout the year.
  • Draft ROC payroll for manager approval, process all ROC invoices for payment, and maintain records of all department budgets.
  • Monitor fulfillment of all union and non-union contracts.
  • Provide administrative support to ROC Director, ROC Music Director, ROC Director of Vocal Studies, and ROC Manager as well as to Ensemble members.
  • As the business evolves, so may this role. These duties may change as Lyricโ€™s leadership identifies the need at any time.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
  • Bachelorโ€™s degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in music or arts administration, or equivalent experience.
  • Minimum of 2 yearsโ€™ experience in administrative, scheduling, and financial procedures is required. Internship experience is applicable.
  • Strong organizational, interpersonal dynamics, and oral/written communications, including the ability to work with a wide range of personalities, is required.
  • Broad-based knowledge of music and opera is essential.
  • Experience in production (under union contracts), marketing, and budgeting is preferred.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite products is required; knowledge involving development software, scheduling software, and social media platforms is desired. Experience with YAPTracker is a plus.
  • Ability to work and think independently and proactively, adjust priorities quickly, meet deadlines, and work collaboratively on a small administrative team.

WORK CONDITIONS
  • Ability to occasionally work evening or weekend events including Sunday in the Park with Lyric, Final Auditions, and Rising Stars in Concert. Other periodic evening or weekend activities throughout the year will be communicated ahead of time.

COMPENSATION
Job Classification: Full-time, Non-Exemptย 
Application Deadline: Sunday, August 9, 2026 (5:00pm CT)
Salary is $42,000-$45,000 annually
Lyric Opera offers benefits including health, dental, vision, 403B (no company match), 401(k) with company match, PTO (including sick, vacation, and personal days, and holidays), life/AD&D coverage, opportunities for professional development, and complimentary tickets.
Lyric Opera of Chicago is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, parental status, socio-economic status, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We strongly encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.

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